I'll still GO with Marcus in 2013

The Basketball World was shaken after the rumor that Javale Mcgee is the next candidate for Naturalization. At first look, we can say that this legitimate center is a nice choice for the STARTING CENTER position of our Gilas Version 2. 

But how about our kababayan Marcus Douthit? What is next to this behemoth? 

Let us first discuss what can Pierre bring to the table.

• Javale Mcgee
• STRENGTHS 
1. This 23 year old monster is STILL not in his prime. 
2. Playing in the NBA gave this guy a first class training.
3. Being part of TEAM USA reserves is just a statement of how good he can be.
4. His intimidation factor can give Yi JianLian, Hamed Heddadi and other Asian Big Men a run for their money.
• WEAKNESSES
1. His J is still a suspect.
2. IF the plan of having him is final, and if the NBA resumes, how can he get the Chemistry we always need?
3. Do Pierre has the same attitude Big Daddy had?

Let us now go to the Reliable Big Daddy Douthit.

• Marcus Douthit
• STRENGTHS
1. In Filipino terms, Marcus is "SUBOK NA"
2. With him always available, we can say that the chemistry with him is always there.
3. Being an import in CBA, we can say that the competition he is playing is also World Class.
4. His Attitude fits in our Country.
• WEAKNESSES
1. He is aging.
2. Injury Prone.

BARBER SPEAK NOTES:

Personally, it would be nice to have Javale representing our country, but in 2013 I'll still go with Marcus as our Player. But looking in the future, Man! It is damn good! Having this two behemoth facing in the practice, it will definitely be good! Marcus teaching Javale some tricks and Javale polishing his J, it is like we are training a monster ready to explode in 2015.   

Goodluck to our Country! Our time will come! Hope that Javale realize to play in the country ;)

" Philip Zuñiga is a graduate of Philippine Normal University. He is a certified sports fan since 1996. "

Heads Up Gilas

This weekend was a roller coaster ride for every Filipino who supports our Basketball National Team. After a win against Taipei and the lost of Iran. Majority of fans (including me) felt that everything is going well for our Gilas Pilipinas. Facing Jordan which we beat in the 2nd round of the tournament was a sign of relief. But again, that Jordan team destroyed our dreams again. THREE STRAIGHT FIBA-Asia tournaments that they eliminated us. Daghles again?! Rashiem again?! Abbas again?! Man, its already become a habit of this nation to disappoint us every 2 years. 

The saddest part of that game was when IT MATTERS most, the team played their worst game of the tournament. And I've felt bad for the team, because obviously, they don't deserve that.

PHI/SYR - Yet another successful rally keeps the momentum for Philippines

Unlike the other games naturalized center Marcus Douthit was in prime form early in the game, but for the third night running, Philippines had to fight back a deficit before beating an enthusiastic Syria 75-52, thus winning all their three engagements in Group F on Wednesday. China the only team to beat Philippines in this competition are engaged in a battle of wits with Japan and should the hosts win as expected by the capacity crowd at the Wuhan Sports Center, Philippines line up against Chinese Taipei in Friday’s quarterfinals. Douthit was in prime form scoring a dozen – out of a team-high 20 – in the first quarter but there was very little contribution from others. Syria seized the opportunity ran some good offenses of their own went ahead with a 7-0 run across the first quarter break and led by nine points at the end of the first half. “We had a dream run. They were missing too many chances and we were not missing many. I wish we could have continued it,” said Syria coach Goran Miljevic. “But they started pressing us hard in the second and we didn’t have a solution,” he added. “Just that our shots were not going in. We were missing some simple lay-ups,” said Philippines coach Rajko Toroman. “I wanted to play a different plan today giving as much result as possible to Jimmy (Alapag) and Kelly (Williams), but it didn’t work,” he said. Eventually, Toroman used all his players for almost nine minutes each, and all of them scored. Source

Gilas's Defense gave them the win against Powerhouse Japan

PHI/JPN - Filipino 3rd quarter blitz hands Japan their first defeat

WUHAN, China (26th FIBA Asia Championship): Philippines ran a 26-12 third quarter – which included a 10-0 run which brought them back into the reckoning in the game – that eventually helped them beat Japan 83-76 thus handing the latter’s first defeat in the competition here. Naturalized center Marcus Douthit  poured in 19 of his 25 points and collected 12 of his 18 rebounds – both game-highs – in the second half to spark yet another Filipino rally that might have just helped them get a “better cross over draw in the quarterfinals.”

Is Japeth being hidden?

Last night, China defeated Philippines 75-60 in their match. It was a great game for China's prized player Yi Jianlian scored 20 points while grabbing 17 rebounds. PBA players Ranidel De Ocampo and Kelly Williams are having that hard time to defend the 7 feet behemoth. That's why the twitter world has a big question last night, "NASAAN KA, JAPETH?" Personally, I can feel that Japeth (6'10) has the same body type as Yi. Yes, Yi is a more strong player after playing with NBA players, but why didn't Coach Rajko gave Japeth a chance?

Fast Forward....... Earlier today, Philippines demolished the Bahrain National Team with a score of

Eligibility of Gilas players questioned

Challenges seem to never stop for our national bet, Smart Gilas.

Over the past months, we hear of several not-so-good news from the team. There's the departure of several key players, coach Toroman's future with the team, priorities of the players to name a few. The team, has responded to these challenges and has finally assembled a formidable team to compete in FIBA. But before someone could say "all systems go!", this came out (from the smart gilas fb page):

Coach Toroman's Gilas stint uncertain

It seems that Smart Gilas and the country's Olympic basketball bid are still in murky waters as Rajko Toroman's post as head coach is still uncertain.

Though the management has announced an extension of the program, there is still no word regarding the coach's extension whose contract will expire after the team's stint at FIBA on October 15.

There are rumors and speculation that perhaps former Alaska Coach, Tim Cone would replace Toroman as Gilas' mentor.

Personally, I think coach Toroman should continue the program. He is seems like a dedicated coach and very
competent at that. Not to take away from the local coaches, but coach Toroman has extensive international experience.

To the Gilas management: It has been a good start... but as they say in basketball or in any other sports:

"It's not how you start, it's how you finish"

I pray that we finish strong!

-Bloyd